News & Press https://www.mpe.org/news/default.asp Sat, 18 Jul 2026 11:53:36 GMT Tue, 7 Jul 2026 13:38:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 Mississippi Professional Educators State Board of Education Meets https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=730675 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=730675 The Mississippi State Board of Education met Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Central High School in Jackson. Among other agenda items, the Board:

 

  • Approved a one-year $2 million emergency contract with Renaissance Learning, Inc. to administer the Adolescent Literacy and Math screeners in the 2026-27 school year.
  • Awarded $1,980,000 for the Mississippi Community Oriented Policing Services in Schools (MCOPS) grant program for Fiscal Year 2027. These grants will fund 198 School Resource Officers supporting 416 schools in 63 districts.
  • Approved a temporary rule and to begin the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) to create State Board Policy Chapter 24, Rule 24.3 related to contracts for retired teachers returning to the classroom. The new rule provides a contract template to meet the statutory requirement for a written agreement between the employing district and employee and to ensure consistency across districts.
  • Approved a temporary rule and to begin the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) to revise State Board Policy 30, Rule 30.2 - Reporting Unexcused Absences due to amendments made to state law during the recent 2026 Legislative Session. The revisions provide clarification to districts regarding the calculation and reporting of unlawful absences, the minimum percentage of the instructional day a student must be present to be counted in full-day attendance, and the treatment of absences resulting from suspensions or expulsions. 
]]> Tue, 7 Jul 2026 14:38:00 GMT Districts Seeking Staff https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=730673 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=730673
  • Lamar County School District is seeking a school counselor for Oak Grove Middle School, as well as other positions across the district. Click here for current openings. For more information on open positions, please contact the principal where the opening is posted.
  • Long Beach School District is seeking a gifted teacher and an elementary teacher. Click here for additional information. 
  • Magee Elementary in the Simpson County School District is seeking K-4 teachers. Contact Dr. Melanie Wells, principal, at mwells@simpson.k12.ms.us or 601-849-3601 or for additional information. 
  • Ocean Springs School District is seeking a guidance counselor for Magnolia Park Elementary. Click here for the job description and to apply. For additional information, please email Alison Graham at agraham@ossdms.org. 
  • South Pontotoc High School in the Pontotoc County School District has an advanced math opening. Pontotoc County School District offers a $10,000 NBCT supplement. Click here for the job description and online application. For additional information, please contact Dr. Brant Puckett, principal, at bpuckett1@pcsd.ms or 662-489-5925.
    • ]]>     Tue, 7 Jul 2026 14:36:00 GMT     Mississippi Ranks 16th in Education in Latest Kids Count National Report https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=730672 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=730672 Mississippi maintained its 16th national education ranking according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book. Mississippi was one of two states, along with Louisiana, to post improvements in education from 2019-2024. The annual Data Book analyzes national and state data from 16 indicators in four domains (economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors) and ranks children’s overall well-being. Mississippi ranks 50th overall for child well-being. Mississippi was first ranked 16th for education in the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book.  

     

    ]]>     Tue, 7 Jul 2026 14:35:00 GMT     Belhaven Offers SPED Endorsement Program https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=729546 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=729546 Belhaven University’s School of Education now offers a fully online Special Education Endorsement program designed for licensed teachers seeking to expand their credentials and better serve students with exceptional needs. Upon completion of the program’s four courses, candidates will be eligible to apply for the Mississippi Department of Education’s Special Education Endorsements 221, 223, or 224.  Click here for additional information or contact Dr. Brittany Singleton at bsingleton@belhaven.edu.

     

    ]]>     Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:17:00 GMT     Chickasaw County School District Seeking Staff https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=728727 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=728727 The Chickasaw County School District is accepting applications for the following positions for the 2026-27 school years:

     

    • Elementary ELA teachers
    • Inclusion teachers

     

    Interested persons should apply online by the application deadline of June 11, 2026.  For additional information, please contact Nikki Buchanan at 662-456-3332 or nbuchanan@chickasaw.k12.ms.us.   

    ]]>     Fri, 5 Jun 2026 20:28:00 GMT     Moss Point CTE Center Seeking Instructors https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=727822 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=727822 The Moss Point Career and Technical Education Center is seeking a Business, Marketing & Finance instructor and a Metal Fabrication instructor. Click here for the job descriptions and to apply online. Interested persons may email their resume to Billy Carroll at bjcarroll@mpsdnow.org.   

    ]]>     Fri, 22 May 2026 17:11:00 GMT     State Board of Education Holds May Meeting https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=727821 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=727821 The State Board of Education held its monthly meeting Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Central High School in Jackson. Among other agenda items, the Board:

     

    ]]>     Fri, 22 May 2026 17:07:00 GMT     DSU Offering Delta Heroes Graduate Scholarship for Teachers https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=727648 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=727648 Delta State University (DSU) is proud to offer its Delta Heroes Graduate Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to first-time graduate students who are teachers (K-12 and office staff), law enforcement officers, or first responders. Recipients must enroll in at least six credit hours per semester, be degree seeking, and a resident of Mississippi. The scholarship provides up to $1,200 per year. Click here for more information and click here to apply. Contact grad-info@deltastate.edu with questions.

    ]]>     Wed, 20 May 2026 20:21:00 GMT     State Board of Education Seeking Interim Superintendent for Wilkinson County https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=726780 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=726780 The State Board of Education, through the Mississippi Department of Education, is seeking an Interim Superintendent to oversee the administration, management, and operations for the Wilkinson County School District beginning July 1, 2026. Click here for the job announcement and click here for the required application. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (CST). 

    ]]>     Wed, 6 May 2026 20:22:00 GMT     MPE Awards $42,000 in High School Senior Scholarships https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=726698 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=726698 MPE has awarded $500 scholarships to 84 members of the Class of 2026 who have at least one parent who is a member of MPE. This is the sixth year we have offered this benefit to our members. We received 101 applications and are thrilled to award scholarships to the following:

     

    1. Joey Helen Austin, Bruce High School
    2. Cooper Bingham, Saltillo High School
    3. Arthur Bishop, Parklane Academy
    4. Luke Bolen, Saltillo High School
    5. Carter Bourg, Northeast Jones High School
    6. Graham Breland, Greene County High School
    7. Maddox Breland, South Jones High School
    8. Cason Brinkley, Cleveland Central High School
    9. Karlie Brown, New Hope High School
    10. Cale Buchanan, Deer Creek School
    11. Annie Byrd, South Jones High School
    12. McKenzie Cannon, Brandon High School
    13. Bailey Chism, Pearl High School
    14. Landon Clark, Caledonia High School
    15. McKinsey Coleman, Biggersville Attendance Center
    16. Abigail Courtney, Petal High School
    17. Josiah Davidson, Ridgeland High School
    18. Whitney Davis, Madison Ridgeland Academy
    19. Dixie Ellison, Houston High School
    20. Molli Ellzey, West Jones High School
    21. Paxton Ferrell, Oak Hill Academy
    22. Anna Claire Fortenberry, North Pike High School
    23. Miley Fulton, Neshoba Central High School
    24. Brand Garner, Houston High School
    25. Maylee Gilmer, Florence High School
    26. Kaitlyn Grace, Northeast Lauderdale High School
    27. Reese Gray, West Jones High School
    28. Liza Hallmark, North Pike High School
    29. Allen Hamilton, Greenville High School
    30. Kayleigh Harris, Smithville High School
    31. Blake Hern, Warren Central High School
    32. Kinsey Hicks, South Jones High School
    33. Rylan Hill, Germantown High School
    34. Connor Holifield, West Jones High School
    35. Spencer Holland, Nettleton High School
    36. Kaylin Hubbard, Pine Grove High School
    37. Kahne Husser, South Jones High School
    38. Bailey Johnson, Tupelo Christian Preparatory School
    39. Ashton Kirby, Raleigh High School
    40. Andrew Klinck, Grenada High School
    41. Megan Land, Northwest Rankin High School
    42. Caroline Lawson, North Pike High School
    43. Abby Grace Lewis, Pearl High School
    44. Lilly Rose Linkins, Neshoba Central High School
    45. Santiago Loaiza, Petal High School
    46. Dalton Claire Looney, Mize Attendance Center
    47. Reece McCarty, Union High School
    48. Teagan McCraw, Caledonia High School
    49. Eli McEwen, West Lincoln Attendance Center
    50. Daniel McGhee, Heidelberg High School
    51. Bradley McMorris, Mississippi School of the Arts
    52. Elizabeth Moore, New Albany High School
    53. Maggie Nance, Ingomar Attendance Center
    54. Lane Neely, Lewisburg High School
    55. Lauren O’Keefe, Sacred Heart Catholic High School
    56. Maggie Piland, Oak Grove High School
    57. Sydney Pittman, George County High School
    58. Curtis Poole, Jr., Oak Grove High School
    59. Conner Reed, Petal High School
    60. Ginger Rigney, Petal High School
    61. Abigail Robinson, Tishomingo County High School
    62. Eliana Salinas, Northwest Rankin High School
    63. Anna Claire Sawyer, Parklane Academy
    64. Zoe Shaw, Oxford High School
    65. Catherine Sins, Hancock High School
    66. Arleigh Smith, Hancock High School
    67. Chloe Stockstill, Pearl River Central High School
    68. Kolby Stringer, West Marion High School
    69. Mary Taylor, Florence High School
    70. Brody Thibodeaux, Loyd Star Attendance Center
    71. Atley Thomas, Newton County High School
    72. Maxell Todd, Pontotoc High School
    73. Joe Tompkins, Winona Christian School
    74. Rylan Tutor, Itawamba Agricultural High School
    75. Josey Tynes, Poplarville High School
    76. Robyn Underwood, Cleveland Central High School
    77. Jillian Wallace, Nanih Waiya Attendance Center
    78. Rivers Walley, Wayne County High School
    79. Lola Grace Ward, Ripley High School
    80. Karley Watkins, Nanih Waiya Attendance Center
    81. Aubrei Weaver, Baldwyn High School
    82. Lynden Williams, Saltillo High School
    83. Sadie Wood, Ethel High School
    84. Andrew Zimmer, Petal High School


    ]]>     Tue, 5 May 2026 21:13:00 GMT     State Board of Education Holds April Meeting https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=726597 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=726597 The State Board of Education held its monthly meeting Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Among other agenda items, the Board:

     

    • Awarded formula grants totaling $932,099 to reimburse 130 districts for the administration of grades 1-3 reading screeners.
    • Approved employment agreements for current interim superintendents in the Noxubee County, Yazoo City, and Humphreys County school districts to continue to serve in those positions.
    • Approved beginning the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) process to revise the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards, 2025, Process Standard 14.1.1 and Appendices A-5 through A-9 and A-13. The proposed revisions provide specificity to academic and CTE courses and assessments that meet course requirements for graduation as well as courses that can be substituted for required credits; provide clarifying language to the portfolio graduation option for students who do not obtain a passing score on an End-of-Course assessment; and, modify the required frequency for updating Individual Success Plans for students. Click here for a redline version of the proposed revisions.
    • Approved beginning the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) process to revise the 2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Computer Science to be implemented during the 2026-27 school year. Click here for a redline version of the proposed revisions.

     

    ]]>     Mon, 4 May 2026 19:08:00 GMT     Hattiesburg and Wayne County Seeking Staff https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=726596 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=726596
  • Hattiesburg Public Schools is seeking a director of federal programs. Click here to view the job description and to apply.

    •  

    • Wayne County School District is seeking an assistant superintendent. Click here to view the job description and to apply. 

     

    ]]>     Mon, 4 May 2026 19:06:00 GMT     PERS Board Meets https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=725959 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=725959 The Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) Board of Trustees met Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Among other agenda items, the Board considered revisions to several regulations, including initial adoption of revisions needed after the passage of SB 2103 and HB 4073 during the recent legislative session to Regulation 34: Reemployment after Retirement. SB 2103 repeals, effective July 2, current law governing retired teachers returning to the classroom, while HB 4073 enacts new provisions effective July 1, for retired state employees and educators to return to work.

     

    Click here for a redline version of the revisions to Regulation 34. Revisions include changing the required break in service from 90 days to 30 days and inserting the new reemployment option which allows a retiree to be reemployed at compensation not to exceed 80% of the salary in effect for the position. The revisions also eliminate language related to current law governing retired teachers returning to the classroom as it stands repealed effective July 2, 2026. 

     

    On a related note, MPE member Whit Perry is now the District 8 Director for the Mississippi Retired Public Employees' Association (MRPEA). District 8 includes Coahoma, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. Whit encourages retired public employees in his area to contact him (whitperry1207@yahoo.com or 901-493-9789 after 12:00 noon) if they have questions regarding PERS or want to become more involved in advocating for the legislature to properly fund the retirement system.

     

    ]]>     Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:15:00 GMT     MPE Members Honored as District Teachers and Administrators of the Year https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=725630 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=725630 The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) honored local districts’ Teachers and Administrators of the Year during a celebration held at the Jackson Convention Center on April 17. MPE was proud to be a sponsor of the celebration.

     

    Congratulations to MPE members Lauren Zarandona of the Mississippi School for Math and Science who was named the 2026 Mississippi Teacher of the Year and Dr. Matthew Fulton, principal of Sumner Hill Junior High School in the Clinton Public School District, who was named the 2026 Mississippi Administrator of the Year. April Hobson, principal of New Albany Middle School in the New Albany School District, was honored as the Congressional District 1 Administrator of the Year.

     

    Congratulations to the following MPE members honored as their respective district’s 2026 Teacher or Administrator of the Year.

     

    Teacher of the Year

    • Amory School District – Mary Black
    • Booneville School District – Ashlee Martin
    • Clinton Public School District – Kelly Keith
    • Columbia School District – Lindsay Ball
    • Copiah County School District – Natasha Fink
    • Forest Municipal School District – Lee Ware
    • Hancock County School District – Heather Sours
    • Hattiesburg School District – Brandi McGilberry
    • Hinds County School District – Christi Dunn
    • Jones County School District – Bailey Bradshaw
    • Kemper County School District - Loretta Paige
    • Laurel School District – Casey Watts
    • Lincoln County School District – Laura Livingston
    • Long Beach School District – Elizabeth Becker
    • Louisville Municipal School District – Angela McGee
    • Mississippi School for Math and Science – Lauren Zarandona *
    • Nettleton School District – Jessica Alred
    • New Albany School District – Anna Creekmore
    • Pearl Public School District – Emily Brewer
    • Pontotoc County School District – Autum Ritchie
    • Senatobia Municipal School District – Gieshala Mims
    • South Pike School District – Brittany Martin
    • Starkville Oktibbeha School District – Courtney Honnoll
    • Union Public School District – Amanda Cassel
    • Walthall County School District – Cheri Thomas
    • Wayne County School District – Alexis Holland

     

    * 2026 Mississippi Teacher of the Year

     

    Administrator of the Year

    • Alcorn School District – John Anderson
    • Amory School District – Deirdre Huntley
    • Clinton Public School District – Matthew Fulton **
    • Columbia School District – Heather Martin
    • Covington County School District – Ashley Underwood
    • Hancock County School District – Lori Burkett
    • Jones County School District – Hayley Yarbrough
    • Lamar County School District – Julie Clinton
    • Lowndes County School District – Gregory Elliott
    • Madison County School District – Doug Jones
    • Moss Point School District – Billy Carroll
    • Neshoba County School District – Jacob Drury
    • New Albany School District – April Hobson ***
    • Ocean Springs School District – Alison Graham
    • Pearl Public School District – Michael Brewer
    • Pontotoc City School District – Emily Vandiver
    • Quitman School District – Marchello Evans
    • Simpson County School District – Romonica Feazell
    • South Pike School District – Teresa Dixon
    • South Tippah School District – Anita Hood
    • Stone County School District – Alison Tice
    • Tupelo Public School District – Talina Knight
    • Vicksburg Warren School District – David Adams

     

    ** 2026 Mississippi Administrator of the Year

    *** Congressional District Finalist for 2026 Mississippi Administrator of the Year

     

    ]]>     Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:11:00 GMT     MPE Members Honored as 2026 STAR Teachers https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=725356 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=725356 The Mississippi Business Alliance Foundation honored Mississippi’s 2026 STAR Students and Teachers with a celebration on April 9. MPE was proud to be a sponsor of the celebration. Each STAR Student selected one outstanding STAR Teacher whose influence has helped the graduating senior to achieve academic excellence.  Congratulations to the following 58 MPE members who were among those educators honored as STAR Teachers this year: 

     

    1. Martha Austin, Olive Branch High School
    2. Annah Bailey, South Panola High School
    3. Andrea Brown, Mt. Olive Attendance Center
    4. Elizabeth Cain, Bay High School
    5. Whitney Campbell, North Pike High School
    6. Angela Champion, O’Bannon High School
    7. Andrea Clark, Oak Grove High School
    8. Virginia Cornelius, Lafayette High School
    9. Traci Crenshaw, Tremont High School
    10. Christine Davidson, Ridgeland High School
    11. Malinda Dawson, Taylorsville High School
    12. Andrea Denson, Terry High School
    13. Jeremy Dyess, McLaurin High School
    14. Jana Edwards, Ingomar High School
    15. Laura Gray, Richton High School
    16. Susan Greer, Bogue Chitto School
    17. Katie-Beth Grimsley, Sumrall High School
    18. Kelly Hammond, Tishomingo County High School
    19. Julie Harman, Ethel High School
    20. Elizabeth Harrison, Houlka High School
    21. George Huffman, Prentiss Christian School
    22. Jennifer Jarvis, Wilkinson County High School
    23. Monica Johnson, Madison Central High School
    24. Hannah Kidd, Southaven High School
    25. Monica Lamelas, Booneville High School
    26. Kaci Lazenby, North Forrest High School
    27. Scott Leggett, Loyd Star High School
    28. James Lowery, Magee High School
    29. Susan Martin, Mooreville High School
    30. Kelly Mathews, North Pontotoc High School
    31. LeAnn McEwen, West Lincoln High School
    32. Heather McKenzie, Wesson High School
    33. Rosalyn Miller, Columbus High School
    34. Tammy Mims, Caledonia High School
    35. Rhonda Murphy-Johnson, Jim Hill High School
    36. Colleen Parman, Pontotoc High School
    37. Kimberly Payne, Hamilton High School
    38. George Pennell, Forest County Agricultural High School
    39. Benjie Poole, Mantachie High School
    40. Joshaunda Purvis, Clinton High School
    41. Emily Raines, Houston High School
    42. Thomas Richardson, Mississippi School for Mathematics & Science*
    43. Rachel Robertson, New Hope High School
    44. Catina Robinson, Newton High School
    45. Erica Scott, Ocean Springs High School
    46. Tami Scott, Baldwyn High School
    47. Alton Brooks Smith, Brookhaven Academy
    48. Lisa Smith, Mississippi School for Mathematics & Science
    49. Rachel Stroh, East Rankin Academy
    50. Lisa E. Taylor, H. W. Byers High School
    51. Penny Temples, Lumberton High School
    52. Terrie L. Walls, Aberdeen High School
    53. Victoria Waltman, Pascagoula High School
    54. Shauna Waters, West Lauderdale High School
    55. Sarah Wilborn, South Jones High School
    56. Demetric Williams, Callaway High School
    57. Akila Williamson, Seminary High School
    58. Lauren Zarandona, Mississippi School for Mathematics & Science*

     

    * Selected STAR Teacher by more than one STAR Student

    ]]>     Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:49:00 GMT     Massey Elected President of MPE https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=724714 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=724714 Special thanks to our members who joined us last Saturday for MPE’s 2026 Best Practices Symposium featuring Steve Spangler. It was a fabulous day of learning, networking and fun!

     

    Your MPE Board of Directors met last Friday night and elected its 2026-27 officers:

     

    • President: Amy Massey teaches fourth- and fifth-grade gifted students at Oak Grove Elementary School in the Lamar County School District.
    • President-elect: Bettie Martinek is a special education teacher at Riverside High School in the Western Line School District.
    • Secretary-Treasurer: Robin Atwood directs both the World Class Teaching Program and the South Mississippi Writing Project at the University of Southern Mississippi.
    • Past-President: Dr. Tracey Gregory is the Dean of the School of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University.

     

    The following members were elected to the MPE Board of Directors during our annual business meeting Saturday:

     

    • Community College: Michael Yarbrough is the Associate Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Pearl River Community College.
    • Rep-at-Large: Ro’Myrus Pam teaches first grade at Mt. Olive Attendance Center in the Covington County School District.
    • Retirees: Charlotte Wilson served 30 years at Hamilton Attendance Center in the Monroe County School District.
    • University: Dr. Brandi Sumrall, NBCT, is an Associate Teaching Professor of Special Education at Mississippi State University – Meridian.

     

    Special thanks to Dr. Melissa Bufkin (Past-President), Jason Shows (Community College), Dr. Monica Mitchell (Rep-at-Large), and Dr. Tommye Henderson (Retirees), as they rotated off the MPE Board of Directors last Saturday. We appreciate their service to MPE and our members!

     

    ]]>     Thu, 2 Apr 2026 14:23:00 GMT     MAIN Offering Free AI Course for Educators https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=724713 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=724713 The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) is offering Intro to GenAI (K-12), an online, self-paced, and free course for Mississippi educators. In addition to building practical knowledge of generative AI, participants may earn up to 6.4 CEUs at no cost. Click here for course information and to enroll.

    ]]>     Thu, 2 Apr 2026 14:22:00 GMT     MPE Awards Graduate Scholarships https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=724042 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=724042 MPE has awarded $1,000 scholarships to the following 25 members to support their graduate studies:

     

    • Lauren Bivens, Belhaven University
    • Shana Bolden, Delta State University
    • Ginny Grace Brumfield, Mississippi College
    • Sara Carpenter, William Carey University
    • Dr. Ginnie Curtis, William Carey University
    • Lauren Fancher, Mississippi State University
    • Lucas Ferguson, University of Mississippi
    • Kelly Fleming, University of Southern Mississippi
    • Lyndsay Franklin, Mississippi College
    • Nakecia Gentry, Mississippi State University
    • Susanna Jackson, William Carey University
    • Bettie Martinek, Mississippi State University
    • Neal McCarty, Mississippi State University
    • Wyn Mims, William Carey University
    • Monica Mitchell, University of Southern Mississippi
    • Melanie Morris, Delta State University
    • Timothy Morris, Delta State University
    • Dana Reed, University of Southern Mississippi
    • Kellie Reeves, William Carey University
    • Anna Sumrall, William Carey University
    • Kenya Travis, William Carey University
    • Sarah Watts, University of Southern Mississippi
    • Adam Weatherford, William Carey University
    • Anna Woodrow, Mississippi College
    • Penny Young, Mississippi State University

     

    Congratulations to all!

    ]]>     Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:12:00 GMT     State Board of Education Holds March Monthly Meeting https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=722740 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=722740 The State Board of Education held its monthly meeting Thursday, March 19, 2026. Among other agenda items, the Board:

     

    • Approved the updated Mississippi Strategic Plan for Pre-K through Grade 12 Education. The plan describes the goals, strategies, and measures MDE will utilize to help local districts achieve the state’s objectives for public education.
    • Approved the following districts as Districts of Innovation beginning in the 2026-27 school year: Newton School District, Union School District, and Western Line School District. The Board also renewed Corinth School District and Gulfport School District as Districts of Innovation and Jackson Public School District Early College High School as a School of Innovation.
    • Awarded Educator-in-Residence grants totaling $16.9 million to 21 school districts. These five-year grants will support 35 math coaches who will provide technical assistance and build teacher capacity in mathematics. 
    ]]>     Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:25:00 GMT     Forestry Association Hosting Summer Workshops for Educators https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=722737 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=722737 The Mississippi Forestry Association will offer teacher conservation workshops this summer in Ellisville (May 31-June 5) and Booneville (June 14-19). Participants will learn by demonstration and practical exercises how natural resources education can be integrated into the classroom. CEUs are available. There is a small fee for each workshop, but scholarships are available. Visit www.msforestry.net/TCW for more information or to register.

     

    ]]>     Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:22:00 GMT     State Board of Education Holds February Meeting https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=720656 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=720656 The State Board of Education held its monthly meeting Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Central High School in Jackson. Among other agenda items, the Board:

     

    • Announced the state’s 2024-25 school year graduation rate of 90.8% and the dropout rate of 7%. Compared to 2023-24, the dropout rate decreased by 1.5 percentage points and the graduation rate increased by 1.6 percentage points. Click here for more information.
    • Awarded Educator-in-Residence (EIR) grants totaling $13.9 million for 28 EIRs to provide literacy coaching support in 21 districts.    
    ]]>     Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:22:00 GMT     Mississippi College Hosting Summer Intensive TESOL Program https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=720045 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=720045 Mississippi College’s 2026 TESOL Summer Intensive Program will begin May 26. This four-course program meets the required guidelines for an add-on endorsement by the Mississippi Department of Education for English as a Second Language. It is designed specifically for teachers to complete all coursework in a five-week academic summer term. The cost if all four courses are taken is $4,400 which includes tuition and the $400 consolidated fee. Contact modernlanguages@mc.edu for more information.

    ]]>     Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:49:00 GMT     MPE Members Maintain National Board Certification https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=718506 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=718506 Mississippi had 171 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) to renew and maintain their National Board Certification in December 2025. MPE is especially proud of the following 47 MPE members who maintained their certification:

     

    1. Karen Addison, NBCT, University of Southern Mississippi
    2. Robin Atwood, NBCT, University of Southern Mississippi
    3. Joyce Aycock, NBCT, Cleveland School District
    4. Lisa Bane, NBCT, Lauderdale County School District
    5. Dale Beech, NBCT, DeSoto County School District
    6. Debra Bird, NBCT, Harrison County School District
    7. Rose Bowe, NBCT, Pascagoula-Gautier School District
    8. Amanda Brooks, NBCT, Chickasaw County School District
    9. Eddie Butler, NBCT, Greenville Public School District
    10. Rachel Carvajal, NBCT, Lamar County School District   
    11. Tiffany Casey, NBCT, Lauderdale County School District
    12. Amy Chudy, NBCT, Cleveland School District
    13. Kyra Collen, NBCT, Lamar County School District
    14. Brenda Collins Lowery, NBCT, Smith County School District
    15. Angela Cooley, NBCT, Pontotoc City School District
    16. Mary Martha Crowe, NBCT, Oxford School District
    17. Tracy Davis, NBCT, Lowndes County School District
    18. Heather Deaton, NBCT, Tishomingo County School District
    19. Nicole Dozier-Jones, NBCT, Lowndes County School District
    20. Jennifer Drewery-Pannell, NBCT, Union County School District
    21. Shanna Dunaway, NBCT, Itawamba School District
    22. Kelly Fleming, NBCT, Tupelo Public School District
    23. Amber Goodman, NBCT, Enterprise School District
    24. Johna Hill, NBCT, Jones County School District
    25. Rebecca Hooper, NBCT, Laurel School District
    26. James Jimenez, NBCT, Oxford School District
    27. Cicely Jones, NBCT, Hattiesburg Public School District
    28. Angela Kienle, NBCT, Scott County School District
    29. Tobie Lambert, NBCT, Mississippi Department of Education
    30. Tiffany Lyles, NBCT, DeSoto County School District
    31. Bettie Martinek, NBCT, Western Line School District
    32. Laura Beth McCarty, NBCT, Biloxi Public School District
    33. Ann-Marie McGee, NBCT, Rankin County School District
    34. Tarika Moffett, NBCT, Petal School District
    35. Janice Neal, NBCT, Kemper County School District
    36. Brittany Pace, NBCT, Amory School District
    37. Caroline Pochop, NBCT, West Point Consolidated School District
    38. Paula Porter, NBCT, Jones County School District
    39. Rachael Sibley, NBCT, Amory School District
    40. Jennifer Sills, NBCT, Pascagoula-Gautier School District
    41. Amy Simpson, NBCT, Louisville Municipal School District
    42. Melissa Spinks, NBCT, Lafayette County School District
    43. Tina Suggs, NBCT, East Tallahatchie School District
    44. Karla Thompson, NBCT, DeSoto County School District
    45. Allie Wallis, NBCT, South Tippah School District
    46. Danielle Whittington, NBCT, Columbia School District
    47. Anna Woodrow, NBCT, Marion County School District
    ]]>     Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:18:00 GMT     State Board of Education Holds January Meeting https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=718260 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=718260 The Mississippi State Board of Education held its monthly meeting Thursday, January 15, 2026. Among its agenda items, the Board:

     

    • Placed the Wilkinson County School District into a District of Transformation due to serious academic deficiencies that demonstrate the district’s inability to provide students with an adequate and stable education. As a District of Transformation, the Wilkinson County School District is now a state-led district under the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and the Board.
    • Approved a temporary rule to begin the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) process to revise Appendix H of the Mississippi Public Accountability Standards, 2025. The proposed revisions will help differentiate the penalties for districts that have outstanding audits from those districts that fail to meet the March 31 deadline for the submission to the Office of the State Auditor. Click here for a redline version of the proposed revisions.
    ]]>     Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:08:00 GMT     MPE Members Achieve National Board Certification https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=717703 https://www.mpe.org/news/news.asp?id=717703 Mississippi gained 161 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in December. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification in education. Congratulations to the following 43 members of MPE who achieved National Board Certification:

     

    1. Jennifer Allday, NBCT, Jones County School District
    2. Angela Amason, NBCT, Simpson County School District
    3. Demi Bain, NBCT, Lee County School District
    4. Anna Berryhill, NBCT, Franklin County School District
    5. Kasey Blankenship, NBCT, Madison County Schools
    6. Lisa Bolivar, NBCT, Jones County School District
    7. Melinda Brady, NBCT, Madison County Schools
    8. Kristy Brannon, NBCT, Vicksburg Warren School District
    9. Emily Brewer, NBCT, Pearl Public School District
    10. Jennifer Brewer, NBCT, Petal School District
    11. Melissa Keen Bryant, NBCT, Jones County School District
    12. Valerie Cadden, NBCT, Lee County School District
    13. Angel Chennault, NBCT, Kosciusko School District
    14. Allison Taylor Craft, NBCT, Madison County Schools
    15. Corey Garcia, NBCT, Ocean Springs School District
    16. Laura Gauci, Long Beach School District
    17. Laura Guidry, NBCT, Madison County Schools
    18. Harley Hatcher, NBCT, Lowndes County School District
    19. LeeAnna Herring, NBCT, Petal School District
    20. Emily Hudgens, NBCT, Madison County Schools
    21. Stephanie Jierski, NBCT, Clinton Public School District
    22. Stephanie King, NBCT, Jones County School District
    23. Monica Lamelas Lockward, NBCT, Booneville School District
    24. Jennifer Lemons, NBCT, Marshall County School District
    25. Bailey Miller, NBCT, Pass Christian Public School District
    26. Skylar Mincey, NBCT, Alcorn School District
    27. Brandye Moore, NBCT, Pearl Public School District
    28. Penni Morgan, NBCT, Cleveland School District
    29. Cindy Morris, NBCT, Rankin County School District
    30. Joshua Phillips, NBCT, Clinton Public School District
    31. Akilah Potee, NBCT, Madison County Schools
    32. Brandy Poteet, NBCT, Union Public School District
    33. Stephanie Robinson, NBCT, Itawamba County School District
    34. Mary Katherine Segrest, NBCT, Madison County Schools
    35. Kelly Senter, NBCT, Lee County School District
    36. Miki Sims, NBCT, Itawamba County School District
    37. Hanna Sterling, NBCT, DeSoto County School District
    38. Gloria Thedford, NBCT, Madison County Schools
    39. Rachel Thrash, NBCT, Jones County School District
    40. Lydia Walker, NBCT, Pontotoc County School District
    41. Nicole Walls, NBCT, Pontotoc County School District
    42. Tabatha Wegmann, NBCT, Lee County School District
    43. Sarah Wilson, NBCT, Hancock County School District
    ]]>     Thu, 8 Jan 2026 19:20:00 GMT